Manager / Lead - Payroll & Compensation and Benefits

Job Details:

Job Title:

Department:

Reports To:

Location:

Job Purpose:

Payroll and Compensation & Benefits (C&B)

Key Responsibilities:

1. Payroll Administration

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for all employees across multiple regions (monthly or biweekly, as applicable).
• Ensure compliance with local labor laws, Wage Protection System (WPS), taxation, gratuity, and other statutory requirements.
• Review and validate payroll reports, reconciliations, and statutory filings before submission.
• Process final settlements, leave encashments, and terminal benefits accurately and within stipulated timelines.
• Ensure proper calculation and posting of payroll-related journal entries in ERP/SAP systems.

2. System & Data Management

• Maintain and regularly update employee information within HRIS/Payroll platforms (e.g., SAP SuccessFactors, Ramco).
• Partner with IT and HR teams for payroll system upgrades, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Ensure confidentiality, accuracy, and integrity of employee payroll data in compliance with data protection standards.

3. Audit & Compliance

• Prepare payroll documentation and reports for internal and external audits.
• Ensure timely submission of statutory payments such as social insurance, pensions, GOSI, and other regional obligations.
• Stay updated on changes in labor and tax legislation to ensure full compliance with local regulations.

4. Compensation & Benefits Management

• Design, develop, and implement Compensation & Benefits (C&B) strategies aligned with the companys goals and vision.
• Review and update C&B policies and procedures periodically, seeking stakeholder input and recommending improvements for HR Head approval.
• Lead and manage employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives.
• Ensure all C&B policies and practices comply with relevant labor laws and statutory requirements across operating countries.

5. Team Management & Coordination

• Supervise, guide, and train payroll officers/executives to ensure operational excellence.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Operations teams to resolve payroll-related discrepancies and queries.
• Support compensation planning and budgeting through accurate payroll data and analytics.

6. Reporting & Analysis

• Generate and analyze payroll reports, including cost summaries, overtime trends, and variance analyses.
• Provide insights and data support for budgeting, forecasting, and financial audits.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for automation and process improvements to enhance payroll efficiency.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timeliness and accuracy of payroll processing.
• Compliance with local labor and statutory requirements.
• Accuracy of payroll reporting and reconciliations.
• Employee satisfaction with payroll and benefits administration.
• Efficiency improvements and successful implementation of automation initiatives.

Preferred candidate profile:

Technical Competencies

• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Expertise in payroll systems and ERP platforms (SAP, SuccessFactors, Ramco, etc.).
• Thorough knowledge of UAE labor laws, taxation, and statutory compliance.
• Experience in payroll reporting, reconciliation, and process automation.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and data analysis tools.

Behavioral Competencies

• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Leadership and team development skills.
• Integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors degree in human resources, Finance, Accounting, or related field (master’s preferred).
• 7–10 years of experience in payroll and compensation & benefits management, ideally in a multi-country or regional setup.
• Must have GCC payroll experience. UAE/KSA Payroll experience preferred.
• Experience with HRIS/ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, SuccessFactors, Ramco, etc.) is essential.
• Strong understanding of regional labor and tax regulations.

Working Relationships

• Internal:

  HR, Finance, IT, and Operations teams.

• External:

  Payroll vendors, insurance providers, auditors, and statutory authorities.